Saturn Vue Green Line Earns EPAs Most Highway Fuel Efficiency SUV

GMs Ecotec Gets Hybridized This Summer

With the exciting Saturn Skys recent debut, the Vue is an easily overlooked model in the Saturn lineup. After all, the Sky is all sexy curves and angles; while the Vue is… well, not. But when gas is almost at four dollars per gallon in some states, and GM announces that the hybrid Vue Green Line is the most fuel efficient SUV on the highway, you tend to take notice.

The first hybrid vehicle from GMs friendly Saturn badge, the Vue Green Line is due out later this summer, powered by a 2.4L variable valve timing-equipped four-cylinder that pumps out 170 electric-motor assisted horsepower, 27 more than the conventional Vue. The electric motor comes into action during acceleration, helping the Vue Green Line sprint to highway speeds faster than the standard Vue, while sucking back only 27 mpg during city driving.
For comparisons sake, thats over twice as good as a Ford Excursion; the largest SUV on the road, which just so happens to struggle to travel 11 miles on a gallon of gas. Of course, its not even a fair fight, given that the Saturn is two segments smaller, a compact model compared to a full-size SUV, plus the eco-friendly Vue is smart enough to turn its gasoline engine off when stopped in traffic, which helps immensely with the city rating. 

While GMs claim to SUV fuel economy superiority is relegated to highway driving, Fords Escape Hybrid, dimensionally closer to the Vue than the Expedition, does much better in the city, where most people drive. The Escape Hybrid, the first SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain is EPA rated at 36 mpg in the city, substantially more fuel efficient than the Vue Green Line.

So what about the highway rating? Well, thanks to an improved body shape with better aerodynamics and a remapped ECU that shuts off fuel flow on deceleration (using the electric motor to smooth out the torque curve during this fuel shutoff), the highway is where the Vue Green Line really shines; receiving an EPA rating of 32 miles per gallon. According to a GM press release, that is the best highway rating ever awarded to an SUV by the EPA.

How does it do against the Escape Hybrid? The EPA rates the Ford Escape Hybrid at 31 mpg in front-wheel drive mode, not quite as good as the Saturn.

In all-wheel drive guise the Escape Hybrid combines for 32 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, which is better than the Vue Green Line in the city but not quite as impressive on the highway. It is impressive compared to the Green Line, however, as the Saturn isnt available in all-wheel drive.

To be fair to the Vue Green Line, GM has announced that its newest sport ute will be the cheapest hybrid SUV on the market when it arrives, with a starting price of just $22,995 USD (Canadian pricing has yet to be determined). That undercuts the Ford Escape Hybrid by $4,000; a hefty margin that will pay for a lot of gas.

And for that rather low price tag you get more than just a boost in fuel economy. The exterior is different, benefiting from 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome-finished skid plates, and body-colored door handles and side view mirrors. Bright side moldings and a rear spoiler round out the exterior trim package. On the inside the Green Line includes standard power convenience package (windows, door locks and exterior mirrors), remote keyless entry, fold-flat front passenger seatback and a rear cargo organizer.

The best addition is the hybrids special gauge cluster that includes alerts to keep the driver apprised of when the engine is stopped, when the system is charging, and best of all, an “eco” light that comes on when the current fuel mileage is better than the average fuel mileage. As with all Saturn vehicles, the Green Line also comes equipped with GMs own assistance/recovery system; OnStar, and a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound service plan.

The Green Line is one of the models Saturn will release this year on their way to doubling the number of entries in its portfolio. The brand began with the Sky roadster that is now arriving at retailers, while the Green Line will be joined by the all-new Aura sports sedan and the 260-horsepower turbocharged Sky Red Line later this year. Finally, the eight-passenger Outlook crossover utility enters the market toward the end of the year.